‘ANTM': Guys, girls and death-defying catwalks

Cycle 20 is finally here, my fellow “ANTM” fans. And La Banks has finally broken down and gone co-ed. There will still be one winner (which doesn’t make much sense, since male and female models are wholly different), but get ready for lots of douche-bros and hookups and potential gay jokes. Groan.

Friday’s premiere was basically a big casting session, kicking off with 35 semifinalists, including transgender model Virgg, who had the looks to go far but ultimately left the competition. She recently started hormone replacement therapy and felt she wasn’t physically strong enough for the show. (Expect to see her return, fiercer than ever, next cycle.)

As a whole, the contenders this cycle seem strong. They’re all beautiful, mostly sexy and exhibit the right amount of crazy. (Ratings were also up, which means a lot of you still care, too.)

I’m already rooting for Phil and his beard, Tyra Cory in all his fabulousness, cuckoo Nina (above) and her shades of All-Star Allison; and teary, “My dad’s a janitor!” Marvin.

And of course, Houston boy Chris Schellenger. I’m excited to see what he can do and can already tell he has a big personality.

And, yes, he’s pretty fierce when it counts.

But can we all agree that Tyra made the right choice sending this tool packing? Anyone who flexes during an interview does not deserve more face time. I DON’T CARE HOW PRETTY THE FACE IS.

The hopefuls are paired up and put through a masquerade fashion show, which includes a kiss at the end of the runway. They’re all expectedly awkward, mostly because they all try too hard. Cory/Tyra makes his mark by smooching a guy. NBD Y’ALL.

Continuing with the mild S&M/fetish theme, the models are then photographed in leather (and not much else) while being projected onto the side of a building. (It’s all very “Yeezus.”) Passers-by are asked to vote for their favorite, though we never actually see the results. (Thanks, Tyra, for sparing us more Bryanboy for now.)

The final cut is to 16, and I’m pretty much in agreement with how this goes. Jourdan seems to be an early favorite of everyone, including Jeremy (the introductory abs). But expect to hear her sob story repeated over and over before we get to the finale.

I’m a bit surprised that something crazier didn’t happen by the time we get to the end. ANNNNND HERE IT IS.

The final 16 will walk in a Guess fashion show. Yay! DOWN THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. Um.